By Batsman.PK 
Pakistan Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, and Pakistan will be hosting the tournament. As the defending champions from 2017, Pakistan will be looking to reclaim the title on their home soil. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a well-balanced squad featuring a mix of experienced players and emerging talents.
Squad Overview
The Pakistan squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 comprises a strong batting lineup, a lethal pace attack, and skillful all-rounders. The team will be led by Mohammad Rizwan, with Babar Azam playing a crucial role in the batting department.
Pakistan Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Mohammad Rizwan (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
- Babar Azam
- Fakhar Zaman
- Kamran Ghulam
- Saud Shakeel
- Tayyab Tahir
- Faheem Ashraf
- Khushdil Shah
- Salman Ali Agha
- Usman Khan
- Abrar Ahmed
- Haris Rauf
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Naseem Shah
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
Key Players and Their Roles
Batting Line-up
Mohammad Rizwan (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
- Rizwan is a consistent run-scorer and has proven himself in all formats. His leadership skills and ability to anchor the innings will be vital.
Babar Azam
- One of the best batters in world cricket, Babar Azam will play a key role in Pakistan’s top order. His ability to control the innings and play aggressive shots when needed makes him a dangerous batter.
Fakhar Zaman
- An attacking opener, Fakhar Zaman’s inclusion strengthens Pakistan’s top order. His ability to score quickly in powerplays makes him a key asset.
Saud Shakeel & Kamran Ghulam
- Both batters provide stability in the middle order and can rotate the strike well while accelerating when required.
Tayyab Tahir & Usman Khan
- These young batters bring fresh energy and aggressive intent to the team, offering depth in the batting order.
All-Rounders
Faheem Ashraf
- A genuine pace-bowling all-rounder, Faheem can play the role of a finisher while also providing important overs with the ball.
Khushdil Shah & Salman Ali Agha
- Both are spin-bowling all-rounders who offer balance to the team. They can contribute with handy runs and pick up crucial wickets in middle overs.
Bowlers
Pace Attack – Pakistan’s Strength
Pakistan’s pace trio is one of the strongest in world cricket, consisting of:
✔ Shaheen Shah Afridi – Pakistan’s premier left-arm pacer who can destroy batting lineups with his new-ball swing and deadly yorkers.
✔ Haris Rauf – A fast bowler who can hit speeds of 150 km/h, making him a major threat in the death overs.
✔ Naseem Shah – A young and talented fast bowler who has consistently impressed with his control and aggression.
Other fast-bowling options include:
✔ Mohammad Hasnain – A speedster who adds extra pace to the attack.
Spin Department
✔ Abrar Ahmed – Pakistan’s leading mystery spinner who can trouble batters with his unorthodox leg-spin variations.
Notable Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
✔ Fakhar Zaman & Faheem Ashraf have made a return to the national squad after strong performances in domestic cricket. Their experience will be crucial.
Exclusion – Saim Ayub
✔ One of the surprising exclusions is Saim Ayub, a young batter known for his explosive stroke play. His absence suggests the selectors opted for experienced campaigners over raw talent.
Pakistan’s Group and Tournament Expectations
✔ Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh, India, and New Zealand. Matches against these teams, especially the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan clash, will be crucial in deciding Pakistan’s fate in the tournament.
✔ With a well-rounded squad and the advantage of playing in home conditions, Pakistan will be aiming to reclaim the ICC Champions Trophy.
Final Thoughts
Pakistan’s 2025 ICC Champions Trophy squad is a powerful mix of experienced leaders, aggressive batters, and world-class bowlers. Their fast-bowling attack remains their biggest strength, while Rizwan and Babar will be the backbone of the batting lineup. With home advantage and a well-balanced squad, Pakistan has a strong chance of lifting the Champions Trophy once again.